How to control Ear wax production?

What is Earwax?

Earwax is also known as Cerumen. The body produces it to protect the ears. Earwax contains lubricating and antimicrobial qualities. Unfortunately, the wax often dries up and exits the ear, along with any debris or dust that becomes trapped. Too much wax can lead to various problems, including earaches, partial hearing loss, tinnitus, itching, and coughing.

What symptoms indicate Earwax Buildup and obstruction?

Earwax blockage happens when Ear Wax builds up in your ear or gets too tough to wash away normally. The symptoms are as follows:

1. Pain the Ears
2. In the affected ear, there is a feeling of fullness.
3. Noises or ringing in the ears (Tinnitus)
4. Reduced hearing in the affected ear
5. Tiredness
6. Cough
7. A discharge or smell originating from the ear.

What Causes Earwax Buildup?

1. When the wax is forced deeper into the ear canal, it results in Earwax Buildup.
2. The most frequent cause of Earwax Buildup is the usage of cotton swabs, which can remove superficial wax but also pushes the remaining wax deeper into the ear canal.
3. Using earplugs and hearing aids increases the risk of earwax blockage and buildup.

To check for earwax buildup,  the doctor may use an Otoscope, a specialised instrument to look into the ears.

What are the Complications of Earwax Buildup?

If earwax is not properly and correctly removed, complications may occur. These are as follows: 

1. A ruptured eardrum
2. Infection in Middle Ear
3. External Ear infections like Swimmers Ear
4. Hearing loss due to trauma

 

Earwax production can be controlled medically as well as by self-care methods.

1. Medical treatment to control Earwax production is as follows:
   1. The doctor removes the Earwax with a curette( a little plastic spoon).
   2. He can drain the wax from your ear by rinsing it with warm water, sodium bicarbonate, or other prescription-strength ear drops.
   3. The wax can be eliminated with gentle suction.
   4. A few drops of glycerin, hydrogen peroxide, baby oil or over-the-counter wax softening drops like Debrox or Murine can be used to soften earwax in the affected ear canal. This might be sufficient to cause the wax to release.
2. Self-Care for Earwax production is as follows:
   1. A doctor can advise you to try an at-home earwax removal technique if you don't have an eardrum perforation.
   2. Avoid excessive ear cleaning, which can result in ear infections, ear discomfort, and earwax buildup.
   3. Avoid using ear candles since they can harm your eardrum and ear canal, and there isn't enough proof to support their efficacy in getting rid of extra Earwax.
   4. A cotton swab, a hairpin, a toothpick, or any other small object should never be inserted into the ear canal or ear drum as it may damage the eardrum, ear canal and dislocation of hearing bones.